Manila, March 27 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) will intensify monitoring of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retailers to curb profiteering as supply tightens.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the move is meant to shield consumers from artificial price increases during the current energy crunch.

"I have directed our local police to heighten monitoring of retailers to prevent hoarding and price manipulation of LPG amid the present energy challenges that we are facing," he said in a statement Friday.

Nartatez added that police are coordinating with local government units and relevant agencies to prevent hoarding and profiteering.

He also vowed that appropriate charges will be filed against erring retailers.

"While ...